Meaning
To change one's mind about a previously made choice.
Cultural Background
In Korean corporate culture, 'beonbok' is often seen as a failure of leadership. A leader's word is expected to be 'Il-gu-i-eon' (not saying two things with one mouth). The Korean legal system uses 'beonbok' frequently in news reports regarding the Supreme Court overturning lower court decisions. Younger Koreans use the slang '말 바꾸기' (changing words) more often than 'beonbok' when complaining about friends who cancel plans. Political 'beonbok' is a major topic during elections, where candidates are scrutinized for changing their 'Gong-yak' (campaign promises).
Use in Business
If you need to sound professional when changing a plan, use '번복하게 되어 송구합니다' (I am sorry to have to reverse the decision).
Don't over-use
If you use 'beonbok' for small things, you might sound like you're trying too hard to sound smart.
Meaning
To change one's mind about a previously made choice.
Use in Business
If you need to sound professional when changing a plan, use '번복하게 되어 송구합니다' (I am sorry to have to reverse the decision).
Don't over-use
If you use 'beonbok' for small things, you might sound like you're trying too hard to sound smart.
Consistency is Key
In Korea, being someone who doesn't 'beonbok' is a highly respected trait in a leader.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '번복하다'.
정부는 국민들의 반대가 심해지자 결국 정책을 ______.
The government (subject) actively reversed the policy, so the past tense '번복했습니다' is most natural.
Which situation is the MOST appropriate for using '번복하다'?
다음 중 '번복하다'를 쓰기에 가장 적절한 상황은?
'번복하다' is for formal, serious reversals like a court ruling.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 왜 그렇게 화가 났어? B: 상사가 어제 시킨 일을 오늘 갑자기 ______.
The boss reversed the order. '-거든' is used to provide a reason in casual speech.
Match the phrase with its synonym.
Match the following:
These all deal with changing a stance, but with different nuances of formality.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises정부는 국민들의 반대가 심해지자 결국 정책을 ______.
The government (subject) actively reversed the policy, so the past tense '번복했습니다' is most natural.
다음 중 '번복하다'를 쓰기에 가장 적절한 상황은?
'번복하다' is for formal, serious reversals like a court ruling.
A: 왜 그렇게 화가 났어? B: 상사가 어제 시킨 일을 오늘 갑자기 ______.
The boss reversed the order. '-거든' is used to provide a reason in casual speech.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These all deal with changing a stance, but with different nuances of formality.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsUsually, yes, as it implies inconsistency. However, in sports (VAR), it can be positive if it corrects a mistake.
Yes, but it sounds very formal. '제 결정을 번복했습니다' sounds like a press release.
'취소' is just 'cancel.' '번복' is 'reversing' a choice to something else or back to the start.
Yes, '말 바꾸기' or '뒤집기' are the more casual equivalents.
Related Phrases
{취소|取消}하다
similarTo cancel
{철회|撤回}하다
specialized formTo withdraw
{뒤집다|뒤집다}
synonymTo flip/overturn
{수정|修正}하다
builds onTo modify/edit
{일관성|一貫性} 있다
contrastTo be consistent
